Alan White, who passed away yesterday (5-26-2022) was just 21 years old when John Lennon asked him to join the Plastic Ono Band Live! Peace in Toronto concert in 1969. White went on to play and record with the creme de la creme of 70s rockers and beyond, his name becoming well-known to hundreds of thousands of classic rock and Prog fans. I was lucky enough to see him during Yes' "Tormato" tour at Long Island Coliseum. That concert was also memorable because, in our car on the Long Island Expressway, we saw a limo pass and Steve Howe raised a cup to us with a smile in response to our frantic waving and thumbs-up-ses.
There are so many Alan White drum moments to be pointed out, but for me, my musician friends and I'm sure many others, his fill on "Instant Karma" in between "How in the world you gonna see" and "Laughing at fools like me" is his most well-known and kick-ass. When "Instant Karma" comes on a loudspeaker anywhere, all of us will wait for this little fill, this moment of creativity and taste, and enjoy it, every time.
Finally, any guy who can step into Bill Bruford's shoes at the last minute, go out on tour and play "Close To The Edge" is a drummer to be respected and admired and celebrated.🙏
I'm sure I speak for many when I say we mourn Mr. White's passing and give thanks for his many fills, riffs, feels, hits, rolls and solos and spirit through the decades, and wish his family comfort in this time of sadness.
Alan White
June 14, 1949 - May 26, 2022
